November 17, 2015Derek BettsConservation Field Technologist, Panthera’s Tiger Program
Camera traps have long been a staple of conservation organizations the world over. For those of us who are unfamiliar with the covertly exciting world of camera trapping, a camera trap is a remotely activated camera that is equipped with some sort of trigger, usually a motion sensor, which enables scientists to record images of elusive wildlife in remote or difficult-to-reach locales.
The images captured by camera traps provide invaluable information about threatened wildlife populations, such as population size, distribution, and movement. This information has enabled conservation organizations to focus their efforts on particular species and landscapes, and has led to the creation of countless reserves, parks, and protected areas.
In recent years, camera traps have been used to provide insight into the threats facing wildlife populations in their natural habitats. In this vein, Panthera has developed its own special brand of wireless camera trap in an effort to tackle the rampant poaching of big cat species across the globe.
Called the PoacherCam, this specially designed camera trap is an improvement on Panthera’s earlier camera trap models, and comes equipped with a unique suite of features. In addition to an improved external casing which better protects the camera from nature’s harsh elements, the PoacherCam also comes with wireless capabilities and an embedded M2M module that allows for data communication over a cellular network. Furthermore, Panthera has designed and incorporated a human detection algorithm into the PoacherCam that enables our cameras to differentiate between humans and animals. With the combination of these features, the PoacherCam allows for real-time transfer of certain images, such as photos of a person or group of people illegally entering a protected area. These images are transferred to an online web server and subsequently sent to the e-mail inboxes of a designated recipient, such as a local law enforcement agency.
Relying on its robust network of conservation partners and local field staff, Panthera aims to deploy PoacherCams across sites where human encroachment on protected areas is high, and signs of poaching are prevalent. Because PoacherCam requires network access to be able to transmit captured images wirelessly, sites are currently limited to areas with preexisting wireless networks. However, Panthera is experimenting with new technologies that create stand-alone wireless networks and will ultimately allow for the use of PoacherCams in extremely remote locations.
This innovative approach to camera trapping is expected to greatly facilitate law enforcement efforts by enabling a timely and targeted response to a potential poaching threat, and is just one example of how Panthera is using cutting-edge technology to improve its international big cat conservation efforts. Say cheese!Learn more about Panthera’s work to stop poachers in their tracks by checking out our Own The Night anti-poaching campaign.